4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
This four-year BEng (Hons) with Foundation Year in Electrical & Electronic Engineering at UCLan offers a supportive and practical entry into a fast-moving field—helping you master core skills in circuits, power electronics, motor control, and embedded systems before stepping into the full degree. It’s perfect if you have potential but need that initial boost—thanks to labs, industry-experienced staff, and a flexible route into engineering.
Curriculum Structure
Foundation year:
You'll strengthen your core skills through modules like Fundamental Tools for Engineers, focusing on engineering drawing and CAD; Design Studies for Engineers, honing communication, design problem-solving, and presentation; Analytical Studies for Engineers, reinforcing qualitative mathematics skills; Fundamentals of Engineering Practice, emphasizing hands-on practical engineering and confidence building; and Foundation Mathematics, designed to bolster mathematical proficiency for science and engineering studies. Optional modules such as Professional Communication Skills and Study Skills and Information Technology further enhance your learning readiness.
Year 1
You’ll start with foundational modules including Digital and Programmable Systems, Electrical and Electronic Systems, Design and Sustainability, Engineering Analysis, Engineering Practice, and Fundamentals of Engineering Science. These build your core understanding—from microcontrollers and system design to engineering maths, CAD, and hands-on electronics problem-solving.
Year 2
In the second year, you’ll tackle more intermediate challenges with compulsory modules such as Project, Signals and Systems Analysis, Electronic Systems, Digital Systems, and Power Systems and Energy Conversion, where you’ll analyse control systems, design analogue and digital electronics, and explore power systems fundamentals. Optional modules like Software Development or Data Communications and IoT let you tailor your studies toward applications like IoT and coding.
Year 3
In your final year, you'll engage with Power Electronic Systems, Sustainable Energy Systems and Control, and a capstone Engineering Project with Sustainability, where you’ll prototype, test, and deliver your own design. Optional electives include modern tech such as Machine Intelligence, Computer-Aided Instrumentation, Microcontrollers and Real-Time Embedded Systems, and Imaging and Vision Systems, giving you the chance to specialise in areas like AI, instrumentation, embedded design, or vision systems.
Optional Placement Year:
This course offers an optional, full-time 48-week sandwich placement between Year 2 and Year 3 that immerses you in an industry environment. You’ll build your professional skills, grow in confidence, and graduate with invaluable work experience—bridging theory and real-world engineering to give you a head start in your career.
Focus Areas
Power electronics, sustainable energy systems, embedded systems, digital & analogue electronics, microcontrollers, machine intelligence, instrumentation, imaging systems.
Learning Outcomes
Build a solid foundation in both electrical and electronic engineering; develop practical skills in power systems, control, and embedded design; explore emerging technologies like machine intelligence and imaging systems; complete a sustainability-focused capstone project.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
This BEng is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), fully satisfying academic requirements to become an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially fulfilling requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) — setting you firmly on the path to professional recognition.
Reputation (Employability & Rankings)
You’ll study in UCLan’s impressive £35 million Engineering Innovation Centre, featuring specialist workshops and electronic/control system labs packed with industry-standard tools and test equipment—perfect for getting you workplace-ready.
From day one, you'll dive into a highly practical learning environment. This course thrives on hands-on experience: you'll work in purpose-built facilities like the Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC) and the Electronic and Control System Laboratory, where real-world learning comes alive. You’ll use cutting-edge hardware and software—from microcontrollers to embedded systems, signal analysis setups, and CAD tools for system design. Academic staff bring real industrial expertise, guiding you through projects that mirror professional engineering work.
And here’s how that experiential learning unfolds:
Specialist facilities and tools:
You’ll study in the brand-new £35 million Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC), equipped with modern teaching spaces, labs, and manufacturing hardware—including CISCO industrial networks, manufacturing execution systems, industrial robots, and more.
Embedded systems and signal tools:
The curriculum develops core skills in microcontrollers, FPGAs, signal processing, conditioning, interfacing, and communication systems.
Laboratories dedicated to practical learning:
You’ll engage in hands-on work in the Electronic and Control System Laboratory, using real equipment to build and test systems.
Software tools and CAD experience:
Modules like “Design and Sustainability” and “Engineering Practice” introduce computer-aided design and manufacturing, programming fundamentals, and digital electronics.
Group project work:
In Year 2, there’s a Project module where you’ll work in a team to develop and deliver an electrical/electronic system, applying project-management and design methods practically.
Industrial placements:
You have the option to take a one-year industrial placement (a sandwich year between Year 2 and Year 3), giving you real-world experience and significantly enhancing employability.
Summer internships & industry links:
There are opportunities for summer undergraduate internships, including placements with prestigious partners like NASA, BAE Systems, CISCO, NHS, and the Northwest Aerospace Alliance.
Rich module experiences:
From Year 1 modules in microcontrollers, circuit design, CAD, and embedded programming to Year 3 modules such as Machine Intelligence, Computer-Aided Instrumentation, Imaging and Vision Systems, and a sustainability-focused engineering project—you get a thorough, modern curriculum.
Library and campus support:
You'll also have access to the university’s Preston campus library, lecture theatres, and independent-study facilities—all supporting your learning journey.
Graduates of the University of Lancashire's Electrical & Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year BEng (Hons) are highly employable, moving into roles such as electrical engineer, electronics designer, power systems engineer, control systems specialist, and telecommunications engineer. Many alumni also pursue further study in power engineering, renewable energy, robotics or related fields, or work in sectors including energy, manufacturing, transportation, and telecommunications.
Here's how the University of Lancashire specifically supports your future:
Career Services & Experiential Learning:
The program offers opportunities for industrial placements and practical project work, giving you hands-on experience with real-world engineering challenges. You'll learn through a combination of lectures, laboratory sessions, computer simulations and team projects, developing both technical expertise and professional skills. The university's career service provides dedicated support including industry networking events, CV workshops and interview preparation to enhance your employability throughout your studies.
Industry Partnerships & Research:
The School of Engineering maintains strong connections with leading employers in the energy, manufacturing and technology sectors. Students benefit from modern facilities including power systems labs, electronics workshops and control engineering suites. The curriculum incorporates research expertise in areas such as smart grids, renewable energy integration, embedded systems and industrial automation. These industry-relevant specializations ensure graduates develop skills that are in high demand.
Graduate Outcomes:
Students graduate with comprehensive skills in electrical circuit design, power systems analysis, electronic device development and engineering project management. These capabilities, combined with strong problem-solving and teamwork skills, prepare graduates for successful careers across multiple engineering sectors.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing your BEng (Hons), you can progress to specialist master's programs in areas like power engineering, control systems or renewable technologies, or enter professional roles in design, testing, systems integration or project engineering, supported by the program's strong industry focus and practical orientation.
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